William McKinney Officially Becomes VSU President

By Greg Gullberg&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Fri 7:46 PM, Apr 05, 2013

By Greg GullbergApril 05, 2013

Valdosta, GA - Friday was the official Inauguration for the president of Valdosta State University. VSU's ninth president Dr. William McKinney spoke about the future in his Inaugural address and how the theme was "Fortune Favors the Bold".

"South Georgia's future growth depends on a strong Valdosta State University," President Mckinney said. "My message was to prepare to be bold. To be unafraid. To invent. And to once in a while make a mistake."

Dr. McKinney has been acting as the VSU president since last July, but Friday it became official which was symbolized by a medallion draped around his neck. He was chosen in a national search and comes here from being the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Indiana-Purdue University in Fort Wayne. He replaced Patrick Schloss who left the university in 2011.

"I think what's most important is that with President McKinney at the helm we're moving forward boldly," said Dr. James LaPlant, who served as the Presiding Officer over the ceremony. "We're going to be moving forward as the university of the 21st century."

During his speech, President McKinney made the announcement for the first time of a new "Center for Regional Health Education and Human Development". It's basically a think-tank to innovate new solutions in education and social issues in South Georgia.

During his speech Dr. McKinney gave a heart felt thank you to his wife of 13 years Dr. Dacia Charlesworth.

"You're the love of my life. And in your eyes all things are possible," President McKinney said from the podium as his wife wiped away tears.

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